Black Gap Wildlife Management Area Information:
This 119,171 acre WMA features 25 miles of Rio Grande River frontage on its south boundary. Wildlife includes javelina, dove, rabbit, desert mule deer, blue quail, bobcat, coyote, and black bear from Mexico. Over 300 bird species have been sighted. Bighorn sheep have been reintroduced. Amenities include an ADA compliant interpretive trail and scenic overlook. Public hunting is permitted. Archery hunting for mule deer, javelina and feral hogs is by compartment. Gun hunting for mule deer, feral hogs and coyotes is by compartment. Youth hunts and guided hunts for bighorn sheep are available. Caution:Watch for venomous snakes, insects, mountain lions, black bears, and flash flooding. When visiting the WMA, bring water, a first aid kit, sunscreen, food, and a basic car repair kit. Access is restricted to Maravillas and Horse Canyons, the Rio Grande, and the headquarters campsite from March 1-August 31. The WMA is located 58 miles south of Marathon on FM 2627 and the Rio Grande River, adjacent to the Big Bend National Park. From IH 10 at Fort Stockton, take U.S. 385 south 59 miles to Marathon. Stay on U.S. 385 through Marathon for 39 miles to the intersection of FM 2627. Take FM 2627 south for approximately 17 miles to the headquarters entrance. Black Gap WMA Hunting Map Aerial View

Rio Grande River:
The Rio Grande rises 12,000 feet above sea level in the Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado as a clear, spring and snow-fed mountain stream. The river cuts through the middle of New Mexico to the sites of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez at the junction of Chihuahua, Mexico and Texas. At that point, because of the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which terminated the Mexican War, the Rio Grande became the international boundary between the United States and Mexico. It forms the western or southern borders of El Paso, Hudspeth, Presidio, Brewster (where the river's sweeping curve gives Big Bend National Park its name), Terrell, Val Verde, Kinney, Maverick, Webb, Zapata, Starr, Hidalgo, and Cameron Counties. The river empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The river has many large and small tributaries including the Pecos and Devils Rivers which enter the Rio Grande at the Amistad Reservoir northwest of Del Rio, Texas. At El Paso the Rio Grande caused friction in the 1870s, when the river bit deep into the banks of Mexico and gradually transferred land to the United States. The famous Chamizal Dispute was not settled until 1963, when 437 acres was ceded from downtown El Paso to Mexico. The agreement economically strengthened both cities. The international border at the two cities is now lined with concrete so that the river will never again shift its channel. In Mexico the river is known as the Rio Bravo del Norte, or Rio Bravo. Fish Stocking HistoryUSGS River Gages

Driving Tour of Black Gap Wildlife Management Area:
This 10 stop tour begins at the intersection of the headquarters road and FR 2627 and parallels the Sierra del Carmen Mountains; each stop has interpretive panels. The tour does not require an entry permit.

Camping at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area:
Most of the 26 designated hunting campsites have a picnic table, a fire ring/grill and a shade shelter. 25 fishing shelters are located along the Rio Grande River; amenities include a fire ring/grill and a shade shelter. One campsite in the WMA headquarters campground and the decomposing toilet are ADA Compliant. Restrooms are located at the headquarters campsite. Only dead and down wood may be collected for firewood. All campfires must be in approved fire rings. Visitors must bring their own water and pack out all trash. Bring water, a first aid kit, sunscreen, food, and a basic car repair kit.

Equestrian Use at Black Gap Wildlife Management Area:
The equestrian trail is open March 1-August 31. The trail winds through Maravillas Canyon along the Rio Grande River. There are no water facilities. Portable horse pens are recommended for overnight use. Because Mexican livestock sometimes do cross the river, it is highly recommended that riding stock have current immunizations. Riders must have proof of a negative Coggins' test for their animals.

Biking Black Gap Wildlife Management Area:
Biking is restricted to 200 miles of primitive roads and a portion of a highway. Mountain bikers are encouraged to take a ride through Maravillas and Brushy Canyons and along the Rio Grande River in Maravillas Canyon. The 20 mile FM 2627 route is popular with road cyclists. This route takes you through the heart of the management area via the Shurley Flat, through basalt hills, and over the limestone hills at the base of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains for the final leg. All riders must wear hunter orange during hunting season. From March 1 to August 31 access is restricted to Maravillas and Horse Canyons, Rio Grande River and the headquarters campsite from March 1 to August 31.

Hiking Black Gap Wildlife Management Area:
Over 65,000 acres are available for hiking. From March 1 to August 31 access is restricted to Maravillas and Horse Canyons, Rio Grande River and the headquarters campsite. Access is also restricted during special permit hunts.

Hunt Texas Online Connection:
More than 95% of Texas land is privately owned, making it hard for hunters to find affordable hunting opportunities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife has a huge public hunting program, and has developed a new service to help hunters find hunting places. This new service is provided free by the TPWD. It allows landowners to list available hunting leases or spots that have opened up, and allows hunters to find private hunting leases according to their preferences.

Black Gap Wildlife Management Area Directions & Map:From IH 10 at Fort Stockton, take U.S. 385 south 59 miles to Marathon. Stay on U.S. 385 through Marathon for 39 miles to the intersection of FM 2627. Take FM 2627 south for approximately 17 miles to the headquarters entrance. N 29 28'06.0. W 102 50'34.3.